ASF-FREE. Provincial officials led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson have a bite of lechon after declaring Negros Occidental as African swine fever-free province and signing 'The ASF Prevention Ordinance of Negros Occidental' at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City on Tuesday afternoon. The ordinance is scheduled for publication on Wednesday (Nov. 27, 2019) after which its provisions will be enforced starting December 6. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
BACOLOD CITY -- Negros Occidental has strengthened efforts to protect its PHP6-billion swine industry from African swine fever (ASF) by imposing a permanent ban on the entry of pork from Luzon and other affected areas to the province through an ordinance.
On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer signed Provincial Ordinance 2019-024, otherwise known as ”The ASF Prevention Ordinance of Negros Occidental” to keep the province free from the virus.
Lacson also declared Negros Occidental as ASF-free province by virtue of Provincial Board Resolution 1042.
“This is very crucial, passing this ordinance. We all know that we have to save our hog industry. Through this, we have strengthened our drive against ASF,” the governor said in his message during the program held at Capitol Social Hall.
Several heads of lechon (roasted pig) and pork-based products such as ham and tocino were prepared to showcase Negros Occidental as ASF-free.
During the activity, Lacson led the signing of the pledge of support to ASF-free Negros Occidental. Some officials donned shirts printed with words, “Let’s eat Negros pork”.
Before the ordinance was passed, Lacson, who chairs the Provincial ASF Task Force, issued Executive Order 19-40 temporarily banning pork products coming from Luzon for a period of 90 days, beginning September 18.
The ban covers live pigs, pork, pork products, and by-products from Luzon whether fresh, processed or canned which can carry the ASF virus.
Dr. Renante Decena, provincial veterinarian and task force co-chair, said the ordinance is scheduled for publication on Wednesday, after which its provisions will be enforced starting December 6.
Part of the salient features is the continuation of the inspection and confiscation of pork products from ASF-affected areas that will be intercepted in ports, including those in Bacolod City.
“When in doubt, inspectors can ship back the pork products, including those mixed in other shipments like chicken and beef. Across territorial and political boundaries, we will pursue the inspection and confiscation,” Decena said.
Penalties range from PHP1,000 to PHP5,000, and one-year imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offense.
In his message, Lacson hinted at a possible legal battle the province could face as some groups have expressed intention to legally question the ordinance.
“There’s a possibility of legal battle. Whatever it takes, we will challenge any effort from those who will violate the ordinance,” the governor said.
Decena said there might be those who will “test” the ordinance, but the province is “ready to face them.”
The launching activity was also attended by officers and members of Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental, personnel of concerned government agencies, and representatives from feed manufacturers, among others.
Negros Occidental is the number one backyard hog raiser in the country, and figures showed that the province’s current annual production for both backyard and commercial swine is 510,000 heads. (PNA)
